Downtown square project is shaping up

Workers from Slack construction add new face trim to the gazebo as construction continues on the downtown square in Ocala as workers add the finishing touches to the landscaping, gazebo and brick walkway on Thursday September 12, 2013.

Last Modified: Monday, September 16, 2013 at 7:03 p.m.

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"We're getting close," said Catherine Cameron, the assistant city manager of public services. "There was a little issue with the star. It was holding a bit of water. It put us a tiny bit behind."

The star, which was formerly painted on the concrete, was slippery when wet, so that was replaced by concrete pavers.

The project was supposed to be substantially completed by Sept. 12 and, although there is still a little more work to be done, Cameron said it will be completed by Oct. 1.

"Most of the major work is done. We will definitely be ready for FAFO," she said, referring to Fine Arts for Ocala juried art show Oct. 26-27.

The gazebo is going to get a fresh coat of paint and some removable railings. Some of the new concrete will be stained with a neutral tint.

The seating walls have been completed. The site has been graded and the sod has been laid. New landscaping — nothing major — will be added.

"We did a lot of electrical work. We expanded the stage with a wheelchair ramp," Cameron said. "We have railings that have to go up along the wheelchair ramp."

The lampposts are going to be painted black to match the renovations done downtown along Broadway and Fort King Streets.

"New globes will be added to the top of each lamppost on the square," Cameron said. "And we have to put the horses back."

The horses are the Horse Fever painted statues.

The fences are still up and will remain up as a safety measure until the rails are placed on the ramps.

"It's looking really good," Cameron said. "I think it's something we are all going to be proud of. This just gives it a face lift and continues to make the downtown look nice."

Slack Construction is the contractor. The cost of the work is $209,385. The job currently is on budget, Cameron said.

She said the city chose to do the project during the summer months when downtown is slower in order to have the least impact on the businesses.

"The business owners have been fantastic, very supportive, and we appreciate that," Cameron said. "We worked with the Downtown Business Alliance to help get the word out, so I think it went very smoothly."

Diane Barrineau, DBA's board secretary, said she believes most of the downtown businesses are pleased with the renovations.

"I was going around the square just this afternoon and thought, ‘Wow. The progress is coming right along,' " Barrineau said Monday. "The feedback I have had has definitely been positive. I think we are all pretty excited about it."

She said the timing is good because the work will be done in time for the holidays and for the art show.

"I own a couple of building down there and I am very committed to any improvement and any activity that is going to bring more folks downtown," Barrineau said. "I think everybody is welcoming it."

Contact Susan Latham Carr at 867-4156 or susan.carr@starbanner.com.

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